Internet Based Animal Tracking Information System

ABSTRACT

An Internet based animal tracking system that allows owners of an animal and other authorized users to securely input and/or access animal records. Once the animal&#39;s record is entered, it may be securely accessed by government entities and/or veterinary representatives for the purpose of tracking the animal&#39;s location, ownership, and other data related to the said animal. Record keeping is maintained by a secure Internet server. The method allows regulatory government agencies to trace the historical ownership, geographic locations, and other records of an animal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/565,927, filed Apr. 27, 2004 and to U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/575,588, filed May 28, 2004, the contentsof each being incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to systems for tracking animal information. Moreparticularly, this invention relates to an Internet based animaltracking system that allows owners of an animal and others so authorizedto securely input and access animal records.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Breeders, owners, veterinarians, and government agencies need to knowand understand a great deal of information about animals in theirpossession, custody, control, and ownership. For example, they need toknow an animal's physical and biological attributes, genetic makeup,inheritable diseases and disorders, and communicable diseases anddisorders. Animals are often moved from one location to another locationduring their lifetimes. Consequently, they may be come into contact withinfected animals, eat defective feed, and infect other animals. They mayalso be treated by more than one veterinarian. At times, it may beimportant for a current owner of the animal, for a current veterinariantreating the animal, or for a government agency to have access tohistorical information about the animal.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,990 issued to Montanari et al. describes a processof tracking food products and/or food supplements coupled with a systemof generating additional labels as required for identifying variousportions of food products. Furthermore, Montanari's patent describes asystem that requires the owner of an animal to maintain their records ontheir own computer. Additionally, Montanari's system of generatinglabels adds great cost to individuals utilizing Montanari's system.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,900,818 issued to Lemnell describes a system forindicating the direction and tracking of hunting dogs while engaged inhunting activities. Lemnell's patent is comprised of a radio frequencytransmitting device.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,323,771 issued to Payne et al. describes a method ofidentifying animals involving the use of a universal identificationscheme. Payne's universal identification scheme requires that a uniqueformatted number be assigned to the animal and said number would linkthe animal to a geographic indexing method.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,424,727 issued to Musgrave et al. describes a system andmethod of animal identification and animal transaction authorizationusing iris patterns. Musgrave's patent requires the use of expensiveequipment and sophisticated computer programs to analyze the irispatterns matching animal to owner.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,612 issued to Guichon et al. describes a method andsystem of monitoring animals. Guichon collects data determining theposition of each animal within a specific area at predeterminedintervals. Guichon then analyses the collected data to determine atleast one physical condition of the animal.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,154,213 issued to Rennison et al. describes a method ofoperating a “search engine” on the World Wide Web.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,537,213 issued to Dodds describes a phenotype databaseof non-livestock pet animals and their laboratory test data. Doddsanalyzes the test results of individual animals and compares the resultsto previously entered data of the animal and/or to genetically relatednon-livestock pet animals.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,215 issued to Judd et al. describes a method andapparatus for retrieving documents based on information other thandocument content. Similar to the previously described Rennison patent,Judd's patent is an alternate method of operating a “search engine” onthe World Wide Web.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0039258 filed by Doddsdescribes a method of obtaining and electronically delivering adiagnosis of the health of an animal through a combination ofcomputerized data and human interpretation. A fluid sample from theanimal is reported through an Internet network to a clinical pathologistwho makes a diagnosis. Additional information may be entered into thecomputer and an integrated report is electronically communicated to aclient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an Internet based animal tracking system thatallows owners of an animal to securely input and access animal records.Once the animal's record is entered, it may be securely accessed bygovernment entities and/or veterinary representatives for the purpose oftracking the animal's location, ownership, and other data related to theanimal. According to one aspect, the present invention is designed tohave the record keeping maintained by a secure Internet server, thusonly requiring the owner to have Internet access and eliminate the needfor the owner to have a computer, install additional data managementprograms, or maintain a database on their Internet access device.

The present invention also provides a unique architecture for regulatorygovernment agencies to trace the historical ownership, geographiclocations, and other records of an animal in an unprecedented rapid rateof time. Current methods of tracking the identification of animals aredeficient in that they do not allow government representativesimmediate, automated remote access to recorded information such ascurrent owner, current location, animals veterinary history, uniqueidentification, disease tracking and isolation control.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is best understood from the following detailed descriptionwhen read in connection with the accompanying drawing. It is emphasizedthat, according to common practice, the various features of the drawingare not to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the variousfeatures are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Included inthe drawing are the following figures:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a secure User Login screen in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary User Login screen inaccordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of a User Loginscreen's random security code generator in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a graphic representation and illustration of an exemplary codethat may be produced by the random security code generator illustratedin FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an operation of an exemplary UserLogin screen's random security code generator coupled with an exemplaryrandom background image generator in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6-8 are exemplary and illustrative graphic representations ofbackground images that may be produced by a background image generatorillustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a graphic representation and illustration of an exemplaryembodiment of a User Login screen's randomly generated security codecombined with an illustrative randomly generated background imagedescribed in FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is an overview illustrating a manner in which a user may accessthe present invention;

FIG. 11 is an overview illustrating a manner in which a user may accessthe present invention coupled to an automated electronic paymentprocessing company;

FIG. 12 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating User Login screen'ssecurity logic features coupled with an ability to sort and direct usersto predetermined security levels and applications in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating an ability to sort anddirect users to predetermined security levels and applications inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a graphic representation of an animal that carries amicrochip used for unique identification;

FIG. 15 is a graphic representation of an exemplary method showing how agovernment representative may acquire the microchip identificationnumber of an animal using a universal or other microchip scanner;

FIG. 16 is a graphic representation of an animal that has anillustrative tattoo that may be used for unique identification;

FIG. 17 is a graphic representation of an animal that has a tag attachedto its collar for unique identification;

FIG. 18 is a graphic representation of an animal's DNA sample used forunique identification;

FIG. 19 is a graphic representation of the transfer of ownership of ananimal;

FIG. 20 is an illustration of an indexed ownership table of an animal inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is an illustration of an indexed owner's address table inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is an illustration of an indexed facility location address tablein accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is an illustration of an indexed identification table of ananimal in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 24 is an illustration of an indexed veterinary health record tableof an animal in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 25 is an illustration of an indexed animal owner table that may beused to show multiple animals owned at different locations in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is an illustration of an indexed contagious disease-trackingtable of an animal that may be used in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a graphic representation of an owner of an animal initiatingthe breeding of a male and female to produce offspring;

FIG. 28 is a graphic representation of a female animal producingoffspring after being bred;

FIG. 29 is a graphic representation of a transfer of ownership of ananimal's offspring to a new owner;

FIG. 30 is an overview flow chart illustrating a manner in which ananimal's owner who is a breeder may use the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a graphic overview illustrating a manner in which a new ownerof offspring from an animal may use an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 32 is a graphic overview illustrating a manner in which agovernment representative may use an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 33 is a graphic overview illustrating a manner in which aveterinarian may use an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a graphic overview illustrating a manner in which multipleusers may access an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a graphic exemplary overview illustrating a manner in which agovernment representative may use a wireless mobile method to accesspredetermined computer programs, processes, and data fields of anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a graphic exemplary overview illustrating a manner in which agovernment representative may use a wireless mobile method to accesspredetermined computer programs and data fields coupled with a printerof an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a graphic exemplary overview illustrating a manner in which agovernment representative may use a wireless mobile method to accesspredetermined computer programs and data fields coupled with a portablebattery supply or other power supply of an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 38 is a graphic exemplary overview illustrating a manner in which agovernment representative may use a wireless mobile method to accesspredetermined computer programs and data fields of an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 39 is a graphic exemplary overview illustrating how an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention may be coupled to a user datastorage device allowing a user to store a copy of the user's data at theuser's location;

FIG. 40 is a flow diagram illustrating how an animal owner may accessand use predetermined, exemplary, functions of the present invention inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 41 is a flow diagram illustrating how an animal owner may accessand use predetermined, exemplary, functions of the present inventioncoupled with an automated electronic payment processing company inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 42 is a flow diagram illustrating how a veterinarian may access anduse predetermined, exemplary, functions in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 43 is a flow diagram illustrating how a veterinarian may access anduse predetermined, exemplary, functions in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention coupled with an exemplary automatedelectronic payment processing company;

FIG. 44 is a flow diagram illustrating how a government representativemay access and use predetermined, exemplary, functions in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 45 is a flow diagram illustrating how a government representativemay access and use predetermined, exemplary, functions in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present invention coupled with anautomated electronic payment processing company;

FIG. 46 is a graphic overview illustrating the table in FIG. 22 inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 47 is a graphic overview illustrating how an exemplary embodimentof the present invention may link multiple owners of animals to one ormore physical locations;

FIG. 48 is a graphic overview illustrating the table in FIG. 22 inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 49 is a graphic representation of other living creators that may betracked by an exemplary embodiment of the present invention after havingan identification placed on or in them; and

FIG. 50 is a flow diagram illustrating exemplary information that may beentered into, stored, and retrieved in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a secure User Login screen in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Moreparticularly, FIG. 1 shows an exemplary graphic representation of UserScreen Shot (1) as seen when accessing an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention. Username Data Entry Area (2) allows an authorizeduser of the system to enter a pre-authorized username. Password DataArea (3) allows an authorized user of the system to enter apredetermined password linked with the predetermined username. A user ofthe system may also be referred to as a client of the system. It will beunderstood that any reference to any user in this specification includesan authorized user. Submit Button (4) keys the system to submit the dataentered in Username Data Entry Area (2) and Password Data Area (3) topresent to an authorized user the invention's system via a communicationnetwork such as the Internet. Connection to the network may be viawell-known means, such as hard-wired or wireless communication channels.Security Image Lock (LOCK) may inform the user of the system that alldata is securely encrypted and that well-known and established securityprotocols are being properly observed by the Internet based system ofthe exemplary invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary User Login screen inaccordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.More particularly, FIG. 2 shows an exemplary graphic representation ofUser Screen Shot (1A) as seen when accessing an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention. The Screen Shot (1A) illustrated in FIG. 2 issimilar to the Screen Shot (1) illustrated in FIG. 1 except that ScreenShot (1A) illustrates the inclusion of Screen Code Data Entry Area (5),which may allow a user to input a code shown to the user in Screen CodeImage (6) (described below).

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of a User Loginscreen's random security code generator in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. More particularly, FIG. 3 is a flowdiagram illustrating how Screen Code Image (6) shown in FIG. 2 may becreated. Referring to FIG. 3, a Random Security Code Generator (7) maygenerate a random Security Code (8). Security Code (8) may beautomatically sent to Image Generator (9). Image Generator (9) mayconvert Security Code (8) into an electronic image, which is in turnsent to Screen Code Image (6) where it may be viewed by the user withinScreen Shot PA as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a graphic representation and illustration of an exemplary codethat may be produced by the Random Security Code Generator (7)illustrated in FIG. 3. More particularly, FIG. 4 is an example of aSecurity Code (8) that may be generated by Random Security CodeGenerator (7) for use in Screen Code Image (6) as illustrated in FIGS. 2and 3.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an operation of an exemplary UserLogin screen's random security code generator coupled with an exemplaryrandom background image generator in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. More particularly, FIG. 5 is anexemplary flow diagram illustrating what may happen after RandomSecurity Code Generator (7) generates a Security Code (8). After RandomSecurity Code Generator (7) generates a Security Code (8), the SecurityCode (8) may be automatically sent to Image Generator (9). Eitherbefore, during, or after the generation of Security Code (8), a RandomBackground Image Generator (10) may generate a Background Image (A) andtransmit the Background Image (A) to Image Generator (9). In anexemplary embodiment, Background Image (A) may be a randomly generatedimage. Image Generator (9) may combine Security Code (8) with BackgroundImage (A) to create an exemplary Screen Code Image (6) that may beviewed by the user as shown in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 6-8 are exemplary and illustrative graphic representations ofbackground images that may be produced by the Random Background ImageGenerator (10) illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a graphic representationof an exemplary random Background Image (A) that may be produced by theRandom Background Image Generator (10) illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 isan exemplary graphic representation of another random Background Image(A) that may be produced by Random Background Image Generator (10)illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is an exemplary graphic representation ofyet another random Background Image (A) that may be produced by RandomBackground Image Generator (10) illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary graphic representation of Screen Code Image (6)as described in FIG. 5. More particularly, FIG. 9 is a graphicrepresentation and illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a UserLogin screen's randomly generated security code (8) combined with anillustrative randomly generated background image (A) described in FIG.5. That is, Screen Code Image (6) may comprise a combination of a randomSecurity Code (8) and a random Background Image (A).

The use of a random security code with a random background image may beused in order to reduce the possibility of unauthorized access to thesystem by an unauthorized person or entity, particularly by a person orentity using an automated hacking system. The system and method maycontinuously alter the background image each time an authorized userlogs onto the system. Continuous alteration may disable automatedcomputer hacking programs from eliminating an image background and usingOptical Character Reading (OCR) software to decipher a code.

FIG. 10 is an overview illustrating a manner in which a user may accessthe present invention. More particularly, FIG. 10 is a graphicillustration of an overview depicting an exemplary manner in which auser may access the present invention via, for example, an InternetAccess Device (12). If, in an alternative embodiment, a communicationnetwork other than the Internet is used, a different type of accessdevice may be used. Internet Access Device (12) may any one of manyknown Internet access devices or appliances. Exemplary access devicesmay be Microsoft Corporation's MSN TV receiver, model number RM2100,manufactured by RCA, Hitachi SH-G1000 Pocket PC Phone Edition 2002 fromSprint PCS, or other Internet connection access devices. Internet AccessDevices (12) may be connected to the World Wide Web (13) or other globalcommunication network via an Internet Connection or other Connection(B1) that may be one of many known forms such as a telephone hardwiredmodem, a cable TV, DSL, T1, T2, T3, wireless modem, satellite, or otheravailable Internet connection.

In one exemplary embodiment, the invention may also use a Server (14).The invention's Server (14) may be connected to World Wide Web (13) orto another global communication network via an Internet Connection orother connection (B2). Internet Connection may be one of many knownforms such as a telephone hardwired modem, cable TV, DSL, T1, T2, T3,wireless modem, satellite, or other available Internet or otherconnection.

A store or other seller of animals, may determine who may have access toinformation about an animal and the scope of such access when the storeor other seller enters certain information into the system. Theinformation that the store or seller may enter is, for example, amicrochip number specific to the animal, the name and location of abreeder, the name and location of a distributor, and storeidentification number. The system may allow a breeder to have totalaccess to his own records. The system may allow a Current Owner to havetotal access to his own records and preclude access to records after theanimal is transferred to a new owner. The system may allow aVeterinarian to have total access to his own records and total access toall records pertaining to any animal the veterinarian has treated. Asused herein, total access is defined as being able to view and enterdata into the respective records of an animal that the Veterinarian iscaring for.

The system may allow each authorized user real-time, fully secure accessto information in the system about an animal. The system may only allowpredetermined users and computers access to the system.

FIG. 11 is an overview illustrating a manner in which a user may accessthe present invention coupled to an automated electronic paymentprocessing company or system. More particularly, FIG. 11 is an exemplarygraphic illustration of an overview depicting the manner in which a usermay access the present invention via the Internet Access Device (12).Internet Access Device (12) may be any one of many known Internet accessdevises such as Microsoft Corporation's MSN TV receiver, model numberRM2100, manufactured by RCA, or Hitachi SH-G1000 Pocket PC Phone Edition2002 from Sprint PCS, and Internet connection access devises. InternetAccess Device (12) may be connected to the World Wide Web (13) viaInternet Connection (B1) that may be any one of many known forms such asa telephone hardwired modem, a cable TV, DSL, T1, T2, T3, wirelessmodem, satellite, or other available Internet connection.

The invention's Internet Server (14) may be connected to World Wide Web(13) via Internet Connection (B2). Internet Connection (B2) may be anyone of many known forms such as a telephone hardwired modem, a cable TV,DSL, T1, T2, T3, wireless modem, satellite, or other available Internetconnection. An exemplary embodiment of the invention may also use anAutomated Internet Electronic Payment Company (15), which may allow forpaperless, electronic, and unmanned payment to the company that hoststhe Internet Server (14) for services that may be performed by thecompany. Examples of services that may be performed by the host companyare transfer of ownership, medical record update, animal identificationupdate, filing of government forms and records, production andreproduction of ownership certificates and pedigree certificates,production of medical record history, printing of prepaid coupons,litter records, and offspring registration applications. A screen may bedisplayed to connect to Automated Internet Electronic Payment Company(15) when a user wants a host company to perform services for the user.Automated Internet Electronic Payment Company (15) may utilize anInternet Connection (B3) comprised of any one of many known forms ofInternet access forms such as a telephone hardwired modem, cable TV,DSL, T1, T2, T3, wireless modem, satellite, or other available Internetconnection. Internet Connection (B3) may connect the Automated InternetElectronic Payment Company (15) to the Internet Access Device (12) andto the Internet Server (14). Automated Internet Electronic PaymentCompany (15) may also be used in connection with those aspects of anexemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 41, 43, and45 and described below.

A user may also have an option of using printing capabilities. Anexemplary embodiment of a user's optional printing capabilities isillustrated in FIG. 11, where Internet Access Device (12) is shown asbeing connected to Printer (P1) via a Printer Connection (B4). PrinterConnection (B4) may be comprised of any one of many known forms ofprinter connections such as a parallel port cable, a serial cable, afire-wire cable, a LAN CAT-5 cable, a wireless broadband router signal,or other available printer connection. Similarly, a company hosting theInternet Server (14) may also have optional printing capabilities asillustrated in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 11, Internet Server (14) may beconnected to a Printer (P2) via a Printer Connection (B5). PrinterConnection (B5) may be comprised of any one of many known forms ofprinter connections such as a parallel port cable, a serial cable, afire-wire cable, a LAN CAT-5 cable, a wireless broadband router signal,or other available printer connection. For example a hosting company ora store may use Printer (P1) or Printer (P2) to print prepaid stickerswhich a customer may later use to pay for services and products.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating a User Login screen'ssecurity logic features coupled with an ability to sort and direct usersto predetermined security levels and applications in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, FIG.12 illustrates a logic flow of part of an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention's method. In FIG. 12, data shown in Screen Shot 1A isidentified as User Login Screen Data (K). Referring to FIG. 12, afterthere is User Login (1), User Login Screen Data (K) may be transmittedto a User Login Security Verification (16). In Decision Block 16, theinvention determines if the User Login Screen Data (K) matchespredetermined data that is stored on Internet Server (14). If there is amatch, as illustrated by Yes (18), User Login Security Verification (16)queries Internet Server (14) for User Type Verification (19). User TypeVerification (19) allows the present invention to direct the user to apredetermined computer application that is stored on Internet Server(14). A number of predetermined computer applications may be stored onInternet Server (14) that are specific for the needs of differentclassifications of users. These applications are illustrated by SecurityLevel Access To Predetermined Data Fields (20). Illustrations ofexamples of two such user types are shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 as anAnimal Owner Entrance (21A) and Government Agency Entrance (21B),respectively.

Alternatively, if the User Login Screen Data (K) does not match thepredetermined data stored on Internet Server (14), the answer toDecision Block 16 would be No (17). Under that condition, the user wouldbe prohibited from electronically entering the Internet Based Server(14) and would be routed back to the original User Login (1).

FIG. 13 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating an ability to sort anddirect users to predetermined security levels and applications inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Moreparticularly, FIG. 13 shows an exemplary flow chart of an exemplarylogic method for coupling different kinds of users to the invention'ssystem. In this exemplary illustration, Security Level Access ToPredetermined Programs & Data Fields (20) illustrates three exemplaryuser type entrances: an Animal Owner Entrance (21A), a Government AgencyEntrance (21B), and a Veterinary Entrance (21C). That is, the system maybe accessed by the authorized owner of an animal, by an authorizedgovernment agency, or by an authorized veterinary user. In otherexemplary embodiments, other types or classes of users may also beauthorized to access the system.

It will be understood that the system components and the people who usethe system may be located in different parts of the world. For example,and for illustration purposes only, Animal Owner Entrance (21A) may bein a country other than the United States, Government Agency Entrance(21B) may be in Texas in the United States, Veterinary Entrance (21C)may be in New Jersey in the United States, and Internet Server (14) maybe in Pennsylvania in the United States. It will also be understood thatall of these components and people who use the system may be located inthe same State and Country.

FIG. 14 is a graphic representation of an animal that carries amicrochip used for unique identification. More particularly, FIG. 14 isa graphic representation illustrating an exemplary use of a Microchip(23) that is affixed on, in, or under the skin of an Animal 24. Thebroad use of microchips in animals is well known and is thus not furtherdescribed herein. Microchips can be obtained through most veterinarysupply companies and are manufactured by companies such as AVIDIdentification Systems, Inc. of Folsom, La.

FIG. 15 is a graphic representation of an exemplary method showing how agovernment representative may acquire the microchip identificationnumber of an animal using a universal or other microchip scanner. Moreparticularly, FIG. 15 is a graphic representation illustrating how aGovernment Representative (25) may utilize a Microchip Scanner (26) totransmit a Signal (F) to energize Microchip (23). In an exemplaryembodiment, Government Representative (25) may activate or coupleMicrochip Scanner (26) over a wireless connection (V). The wirelessconnection may be implemented over a Global Information Network such asthe Internet. Once energized, Microchip (23) may emit a separate signal(G) that may be received and displayed by Microchip Scanner (26).Microchip Scanner (26) may be a transceiver. An example of MicrochipScanner (26) is Model Power Tracker II, manufactured by AVIDIdentification Systems, Inc. of Folsom, La. Once obtained, the microchipinformation may be provided by Government Representative (25) to theexemplary system and information pertaining to animal 24 may then beaccessed by Government Representative (25). This information may includefor example, owner information, animal medical history, etc.

Although microchip identification is described above the invention isnot so limited in that other means may be used to identify a particularanimal, such as the below non-limiting illustrated examples.

FIG. 16 is a graphic representation of an animal that has anillustrative tattoo that may be used for unique identification. Morespecifically, FIG. 16 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment ofhow the present invention may use a unique Tattoo Identification Number(27) that may be permanently embedded into the skin of Animal (24).

FIG. 17 is a graphic representation of an animal that has a tag attachedto its collar for unique identification. More specifically, FIG. 17 isan illustration of an exemplary embodiment of how an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention may use a unique Identification Tag(27A) that may be affixed to Animal (24) via a Collar (28).

FIG. 18 is a graphic representation of an animal's DNA sample used forunique identification. More specifically, FIG. 18 is an illustration ofan exemplary embodiment of how an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention may use a unique DNA Identification Tracking Number (I) issuedby a DNA testing company such as HealthGene Molecular Diagnostic andReasearch Center, 2175 Keele St., Toronto, ON, Canada M6M 3Z4 after aDNA Sample (H) has been obtained from Animal (24).

Referring now to FIG. 19, a graphic representation of a transfer ofownership of an animal is illustrated. More specifically, FIG. 19 is agraphic representation of Original Animal Owner (29) transferringownership of Animal (24) to Current Animal Owner (30). It will beunderstood that reference number (29) may also refer to a PreviousOwner. It will also be understood that reference number (30) may alsorefer to a New Owner. There may be only one Original Owner; but theremay be more than one Previous Owner. Similarly, there may be more thanone New Owner; but there may be only one Current Owner. It will also beunderstood that FIG. 19 may illustrate other transfers of an animal. Forexample, it may illustrate the transfer of an animal by a broker fromone kennel to another kennel.

The present invention's computer system utilizes a database of multipleindexed tables. This use of indexed tables allows for a significantreduction in the overall size of the database and a greatly enhancedoperating and computing speed. Each indexed table may store a respectivedatum about an animal and all people and entities who contact theanimal. FIG. 20 is an illustration of an indexed ownership table of ananimal that may be used in accordance with an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention. More specifically, FIG. 20 is an illustration ofan Indexed Ownership Table (T1). In Indexed Ownership Table (T1),illustrative Owner ID Number (29 a) represents a unique identificationnumber that may be used to identify Original Animal Owner (29).Likewise, illustrative Owner ID Number (30 a) represents a uniqueidentification number that may be used to identify Current Animal Owner(30). Illustrative Animal ID Number (24 a) represents a uniqueidentification number that may be used to identify Animal (24).

Illustrative Arrival Date (D1) in FIG. 20 illustrates a date that may bestored in the invention's database to record the beginning date whenOriginal Owner (29) commenced ownership of Animal (24). IllustrativeDeparture Date (D2) illustrates a date that may be stored in theinvention's database to record the ending date when

Original Owner (29) ceased ownership of Animal (24). IllustrativeArrival Date (D3) illustrates a date that may be stored in theinvention's database to record the beginning date when Current Owner(30) commenced ownership of Animal (24). In the illustrative table shownin FIG. 20, illustrative date D2 is the same as illustrative date D3.However, dates D2 and D3 need not be the same date. A Departure Date(D4) illustrates a date that may be stored in the invention's databaseto record the ending date when Current Owner (30) ceased ownership ofAnimal (24). In FIG. 20, Departure Date (D4) field is empty illustratingthat Current Owner (30) still owns Animal (24). A departure date aslisted in table T1 without a subsequent Arrival Date may be indicativeof the animal's death or other loss. In an alternative embodiment ofFIG. 20, dates may be entered when someone other than an Owner possessesan animal.

Information may be entered into Indexed Ownership Table (T1) by anOriginal Owner (29) and by a Current Owner (30). When Current Ownerpurchases an animal, Current Owner becomes Original Owner, etc. Once anOwner (whether an Original Owner or a Current Owner) enters a DepartureDate for an animal, the Owner who enters the Departure Date is precludedby the system from editing records pertaining to that animal and isprecluded from retrieving new information about the animal that isentered into the system after the entry of the Departure Dateinformation. The transferring Owner gives the New Owner a new internetaccess number. The New Owner may then confirm the Old Owner's departureinformation using the new internet access number.

FIG. 21 is an illustration of an indexed owner's address table inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Morespecifically, FIG. 21 illustrates that an exemplary embodiment of theinvention's database may record a physical home address of an owner eventhough the owner's physical address may be different than the animal'sphysical address. Table (T2) accordingly is another example of anindexed table that may be used as part of the invention. IllustrativeAnimal Owner's Address Table (T2) may index and link the name and homeaddress of an Original Animal Owner (29) with an Original Animal OwnerID Number (29 a). Likewise, the name and address of a Current AnimalOwner (30) may be indexed and linked to a Current Animal Owner ID Number(30 a). In exemplary Table (T2), the first and last names of OriginalAnimal Owner (29) are identified as Jane Doe; the address of OriginalOwner 29 is identified as 123 Doe Lane, Hometown, Mo. 60992. ExemplaryTable (T2) identifies the first and last names of Current Animal Owner(30) as Joseph Smith; the address of Current Animal Owner (30) isidentified as 12 Elm Street, Dairy, Ohio 29883. In an alternativeembodiment, FIG. 21 may identify the names and addresses of people otherthan an Owner who may possess an animal.

FIG. 22 is an illustration of an indexed facility location address tablein accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.More specifically, FIG. 22 illustrates that the invention's database mayrecord an animal's physical address if it is the same as the animalowner's home or other address or if it is different than the animalowner's home or other address. Animal's Physical Address Table (T3) isanother example of an indexed table. Animal's Physical Address Table(T3) allows for the input of one or more physical location sites ofAnimal (24). Location ID Number (L1), Location ID Number (L2), andLocation ID Number (L3) are all examples of different location sitesthat may be indexed within an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention's computer system. In addition to each Location ID NumberTable T3 may also include the physical address, city, state, and zipcode associated with each Location ID Number.

FIG. 23 is an illustration of an indexed identification table of ananimal in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. More specifically, FIG. 23 illustrates that the invention'sdatabase may store an animal's species, sub-Species, Birth Date,color(s) Sex, Microchip Number (23 a), DNA Number, and other informationof the animal that a user of the system wishes to enter in the animal'srecord. Animal Information Table (T4) is an example of data that may beassociated with Animal ID Number (24 a) and Animal ID Number (31 a). Forexample, Animal Information Table (T4) illustrates that an animal withillustrative Animal ID Number TR-89203820 may be a black, white malecanine, Springer Spaniel, having an illustrative birth date of Jan. 15,2001. It has been assigned an illustrative Microchip Number 19PQ982 andan illustrative DNA Number A990L72C. Similarly, Animal Information Table(T4) illustrates that the animal with illustrative Animal ID NumberTR-89522011 may be a black female canine, Springer Spaniel, having anillustrative birth date of Jul. 22, 2001. It has been assigned anillustrative Microchip Number 592S73T and an illustrative DNA Number7N380AA1.

FIG. 24 is an illustration of an indexed veterinary health record tableof an animal in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. More specifically, FIG. 24 illustrates that the invention'sdatabase may store an animal's medical data such as medications orvaccines that have been administered to the animal and other informationabout the medication or vaccine including information such as themanufacturer of the medication or vaccine, the lot number, the date itwas given to the animal, the date when the animal should be recheckedfor possible re-medication or re-vaccination, and other information ofthe animal that the user of the system wishes to enter in the animal'srecord. Illustrative Medical Record Table (T5) is an illustration ofmedical data that may be associated with illustrative Animal ID Number(24 a) and illustrative Animal ID Number (31 a). As an illustration,FIG. 24 shows that the animal with Animal ID Number TR-89203820 had arabies shot on Apr. 30, 2003. The rabies vaccine was manufactured byFort Dodge and was from Lot Number 7839921. The animal is to berechecked on Apr. 30, 2006. As another illustration, FIG. 24 shows thatthe animal with illustrative Animal ID Number TR-89522011 was givenNemex 2 medication on May 24, 2003. The medication was manufactured byPfizer Animal H and was from Lot Number 39UAS9. The animal is to berechecked on Jun. 10, 2003. Although no information is contained ineither “Memo” column, additional medical information may be placedthere, as desired.

FIG. 25 is an illustration of an indexed animal owner table that may beused to show multiple animals owned at different locations in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Morespecifically, FIG. 25 illustrates that the invention's database maystore information about all of the animals that may be owned by a singleuser at multiple transfer locations. Owner/Animal/Location Table (T6)illustrates that the owner assigned to illustrative Owner ID Number (30a) O-884902 has recorded into the invention's database two separatelocations areas. The invention's database may create and store a uniqueindexed Location ID Number for each location as represented by LocationID Number (78) and Location ID Number (80).

Owner/Animal/Location Table (T6) shows the historical and chronologicallocation of animals. For example, illustrative Animal ID Number (79)arrived at Location ID Number (78) on illustrative Arrival Date (D4) andwas subsequently transferred by illustrative Owner ID Number (30 a) onillustrative Departure Date (D5), creating an illustrative Arrival Date(D6) at illustrative Location ID Number (80). In the example illustratedin FIG. 25, Arrival Date (D6) is the same date as Departure Date D5.However, the two dates need not be the same. Owner/Animal/Location Table(T6) also shows location information and other information for anotheranimal identified with illustrative Animal ID Number CW-89203820. Inanother embodiment, Table (T6) may provide information about any numberof animals.

FIG. 26 is an illustration of an indexed contagious disease-trackingtable of an animal that may be used in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 26illustrates that the invention's database may record and track diseaseinformation about an animal about which information is contained in thesystem. Disease Tracking Table (T7) identifies an animal withillustrative assigned Animal ID Number (81) as having illustrativeDisease Name (82) with illustrative Symptoms Shown (83). Theillustrative Vet ID Number (84) is indexed to the veterinarian, clinic,or educational facility that has diagnosed the animal's disease onillustrative Date of Examination (85).

After information is entered into the system and tables are created, auser may track information about an animal by searching the system'sdatabase. For example, by entering an animal's microchip number, a usermay determine the name, breed, whelping date, sex, colors and ownerinformation about the animal such as the owner's name, address, andtelephone number. Similarly, a veterinarian or a Government Agency maytrack the health and disease information about an animal.

FIG. 27 is a graphic representation of an owner of an animal initiatingthe breeding of a male and female to produce offspring. Morespecifically, FIG. 27 is a graphic representation of an Animal Owner(30) initiating the Breeding (44) of male Animal (24) to female Animal(31) for purposes of procreation.

FIG. 28 is a graphic representation of a female animal producingoffspring after being bred. More specifically, FIG. 28 is a graphicrepresentation of female Animal (31) subsequently Giving Birth (45) toOffspring (32 a), Offspring (32 b), and Offspring (32 c). This number ofoffspring many range from one to the maximum number any one femalespecies of animal may produce.

FIG. 29 is a graphic representation of a transfer of ownership of ananimal's offspring to a new owner. More specifically, FIG. 29 is agraphic representation of Animal Owner (30) transferring ownership ofOffspring (32 a) to Offspring Owner (33).

FIG. 30 is a graphic overview flow chart illustrating a manner in whichan animal's owner who is a breeder may use the present invention. Morespecifically, FIG. 30 is an overview illustrating the manner in whichAnimal Owner (30) who is a breeder may use the present invention. Asshown in FIG. 30, Animal Owner (30) may utilize Access Device (12) toaccess World Wide Web (13) via Internet Connection (B1). World Wide Web(13) may be connected to Internet Server (14) via Internet Connection(B2). By placing information into tables such as Tables (T1) to (T7),Animal Owner (30) may record breeding information, offspring birthinformation, medical information, microchip numbers, tattoo numbers,ownership transfer information, and other information about animals thatare owned by Animal Owner (30).

FIG. 31 is a graphic overview illustrating a manner in which a new ownerof offspring from an animal may use an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention. More specifically, FIG. 31 is an overviewillustrating the manner in which Offspring Owner (33) who is a new ownerof an animal may use the present invention. Offspring Owner (33) mayutilize Access Device (12) to access World Wide Web (13) via InternetConnection (B1). World Wide Web (13) may be connected to Internet Server(14) via Internet Connection (B2). By placing information into tablessuch as Tables (T1) to (T7), Offspring Owner (33) may record animalinformation, ownership transfer information, and other information aboutanimals that are owned by Offspring Owner (33).

FIG. 32 is a graphic overview illustrating a manner in which agovernment representative may use an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. More specifically, FIG. 32 is an overview illustrating themanner in which a Government Representative (25) may use the presentinvention. Government Representative (25) may utilize Access Device (12)to access World Wide Web (13) via Internet Connection (B1). World WideWeb (13) may be connected to Internet Server (14) via InternetConnection (B2). The procedures described above allow GovernmentRepresentative (25) to have ready access to predetermined records anddata fields pertaining to animals whose data has been recorded in thesystem. The information be used to verify compliance with regulatorylaws such as state or federal inspections required by the Department ofAgriculture or to identify a lost or stolen animal. The system may allowa Government Representative to review a specific number of records witha specific period of time. The system may track a GovernmentRepresentative's access to records in the system. If a GovernmentRepresentative accesses a predetermined number of records within apredetermined period of time, the system may prevent that GovernmentRepresentative from accessing additional records. The purpose of theprevention feature of the system is to protect against the possibilitythat an unauthorized person might break into the system using aGovernment's Representative's access information.

FIG. 33 is a graphic overview illustrating a manner in which aveterinarian may use an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.More specifically, FIG. 33 is an overview illustrating the manner inwhich a Veterinary Representative (34) may use the present invention.Veterinary Representative (34) may utilize Access Device (12) to accessWorld Wide Web (13) via Internet Connection (B1). World Wide Web (13)may be connected to Internet Server (14) via Internet Connection (B2).The procedures and tables described above may allow VeterinaryRepresentative (34) to have ready access to predetermined records anddata fields of animals about which information is stored in the system'sdatabase. The stored information may be used, for example, for updatingveterinary health records, or in conjunction with government agencies todetermine the source of diseased or infected animals and to determine ifthey have had contact with other animals or animal colonies. The systemmay allow a veterinarian to review a specific number of records with aspecific period of time. The system may track a veterinarian's access torecords in the system. If a veterinarian accesses a predetermined numberof records within a predetermined period of time, the system may preventthat veterinarian from accessing additional records. The purpose of theprevention feature of the system is to protect against the possibilitythat an unauthorized person might break into the system using aveterinarian's access information.

FIG. 34 is a graphic overview illustrating a manner in which multipleusers may access an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Morespecifically, FIG. 34 is an overview illustrating the manner in whichmultiple access devices may simultaneously access the present invention.Internet Access Device (12 a) may access World Wide Web (13) viaInternet Connection (Ba). Internet Access Device (12 b) may access WorldWide Web (13) via Internet Connection (Bb). Internet Access Device (12c) may access World Wide Web (13) via Internet Connection (Bc). InternetAccess Device (12 d) may access World Wide Web (13) via InternetConnection (Bd). World Wide Web (13) may connect Server (14) viaInternet Connection (E) to some or all of the Internet Access Devices.

FIG. 34 illustrates that multiple authorized users may accessinformation in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention aboutthe same animal simultaneously. FIG. 34 illustrates, for example, thatauthorized private individuals, authorized corporations, authorizedveterinarians, and authorized government representatives may all be ableto access the same information about the same animal simultaneously.However, the system may limit the information that is available to eachof them. That is, the system may grant each of them a different level ofaccess. For example, a government representative may have access to afirst scope of information in order to conduct a government audit, forexample, to track mad cow disease. A farmer may have a different, morelimited, scope of access to information that may enable the farmer toidentify his cattle. A store, or other distributor may have stillanother limited scope of access to information that may enable the storeor other distributor to retrieve breeding and health information aboutanimals at the store or other distributor that are available for sale.

FIG. 35 is a graphic exemplary overview illustrating a manner in which agovernment representative may use a wireless mobile method to accesspredetermined computer programs, processes, and data fields of anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG.35 is a graphic exemplary overview illustrating the manner in which agovernment representative may utilize a wireless, mobile connection withan exemplary embodiment of the present invention. GovernmentRepresentative (25) may access the present invention via Mobile InternetAccess Terminal (36). In an exemplary embodiment, Mobile Internet AccessTerminal (36) may be powered by an electrical system of vehicle (37) viaa Power Connection (38). In an alternative embodiment, Mobile InternetAccess Terminal (36) may be powered by another source of power. WirelessModem (40) may powered by an electrical system of Vehicle (37) via PowerConnection (41). In an alternative embodiment, Wireless Modem (40) maybe powered by another source of power. Mobile Internet Access Terminal(36) may utilize Connection (39) to transmit and receive data fromWireless Modem (40). Wireless Modem (40) may utilize Antenna (42) toreceive and transmit Signal (43) to Internet Antenna Transceiver (44)that may be connected to World Wide Web (13).

FIG. 36 is a graphic exemplary overview illustrating a manner in which agovernment representative may use a wireless mobile method to accesspredetermined computer programs and data fields coupled with a printerof an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. More specifically,FIG. 36 is a graphic exemplary overview illustrating the manner in whicha government representative may utilize a wireless mobile use of thepresent invention. Government Representative (25) may access the presentinvention via Mobile Internet Access Terminal (36). In an exemplaryembodiment, Mobile Internet Access Terminal (36) may be powered by theelectrical system of Vehicle (37) via Power Connection (38). Also in anexemplary embodiment, Wireless Modem (40) may be powered by theelectrical system of Vehicle (37) via Power Connection (41). In analternative embodiment, Mobile Internet Access Terminal (36) and/orWireless Modem (40) may be powered by at least one different source ofpower. Mobile Internet Access Terminal (36) may utilize Connection (39)to transmit and receive data from Wireless Modem (40). Wireless Modem(40) may utilize Antenna (42) to receive and transmit Signal (43) toInternet Antenna Transceiver (44) that is connected to World Wide Web(13). Additionally, Printer (15) may be powered by Power Connection (38)and receive data for printing forms and documents from Mobile InternetAccess Terminal (36).

FIG. 37 is a graphic exemplary overview illustrating a manner in which agovernment representative may use a wireless mobile method to accesspredetermined processes and data fields coupled with a portable batterysupply or other power supply of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. More specifically, FIG. 37 is a graphic exemplary overviewillustrating the manner in which a government representative may utilizea more portable wireless mobile use of the present invention. GovernmentRepresentative (25) may access the present invention via Mobile InternetAccess Terminal (36). Mobile Internet Access Terminal (36) and WirelessModem (40) may be powered by Portable Power Supply (48) via PowerConnection (51). Mobile Internet Access Terminal (36) may utilizeConnection (39) to transmit and receive data from Wireless Modem (40).Wireless Modem (40) may utilize Antenna (42) to receive and transmitSignal (43) to Internet Antenna Transceiver (44) that may be connectedto World Wide Web (13).

FIG. 38 is a graphic exemplary overview illustrating a manner in which agovernment representative may use a wireless mobile method to accesspredetermined processes and data fields of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention. More specifically, FIG. 38 is a graphic exemplaryoverview illustrating the manner in which a government representativemay utilize a highly portable and lightweight wireless mobile use of thepresent invention. Government Representative (25) may access the presentinvention via Mobile Internet Access Terminal (36). Said Mobile InternetAccess Terminal (36) may be a PDA or cell phone such as the HitachiSH-G1000 Pocket PC Phone Edition 2002 from Sprint PCS. Wireless Modem(40) may be powered by Portable Power Supply (48) via Power Connection(51). Mobile Internet Access Terminal (36) may utilize Antenna (42) toreceive and transmit Signal (43) to Internet Antenna Transceiver (44)that may be connected to World Wide Web (13).

FIG. 39 is a graphic exemplary overview illustrating how an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention may be coupled to a user datastorage device allowing a user to store a copy of the user's data at theuser's location. More specifically, FIG. 39 is a graphic exemplaryoverview illustrating how the present invention may be coupled to a userdata storage device allowing the user to store a copy of the user's dataat the user's location. Data stored on Server (14) may be downloaded viaInternet Connection (B2) through World Wide Web (13). Internet AccessDevice (70) may utilize Internet Connection (B1) to complete thedownload process for storage into a medium such as a Diskette (79).Additional well known storage media may also include, but not belimited, to a burnable CD, a computer hard drive, or a flash memory suchas the Viking Flash Memory 128 MB Card manufactured by VikingComponents, 30200 Avenida de las Banderas, Rancho Santa Margarita,Calif. 92688, USA.

FIG. 40 is a flow diagram illustrating how an animal owner may accessand use predetermined, exemplary, functions in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG.40 is a flow chart showing Animal Owner Entrance (101) that allows theanimal owner user to transfer information and data between differentpredetermined applications of the present invention. Option (104) allowsthe user to update personal information such as name, address, phonenumber, e-mail address, and other information about the user. Option(106) allows the user to add new animal records to the system. Option(108) allows the user to query, update, or edit existing animal records.Option (110) allows the user to print selected records such as requiredgovernment forms, medical records, bills of sale, and other historicalinformation maintained in the database of the system.

FIG. 50 is a flow diagram illustrating exemplary information that may beentered into, stored in, retrieved from, and determined from the systemby a user of the system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention. The processes illustrated in FIG. 50 may be usedby a user who has access to the system; for example, an owner, abreeder, a government representative, a veterinarian, or otherauthorized users. Option 104 illustrates identifying personalinformation about the persons who may use the system. Option 106illustrates identifying information that may be entered into the systemabout animals that may be registered in the system. Option 108illustrates other information that may be retrieved from the system.Option 110 illustrates information that may be retrieved from the systemvia a printed record.

Table 150 illustrates information that the user may enter, store,retrieve, and determine in Option (104). For example, the user maydetermine or correct information about the current owner, such as name,address, city, state, zip code, home telephone number, work telephonenumber, cellular telephone number, e-mail address. Using Option (104),the user may also enter, store, retrieve, and determine alternativecontact information such as name, address, city, state, zip code, hometelephone number, work telephone number, cellular telephone number, ande-mail address. When the user is a current Animal Owner, the currentAnimal Owner may determine the same information about all prior ownersof the animal.

Table 152 illustrates information that a user, such as a current AnimalOwner, may determine from using Option (106). For example, a currentAnimal Owner may determine the unique identifier assigned to an animal,an internet transfer code, a current location address of an animal,including city, state, zip code, phone number, work telephone number ofa person connected to the animal, an e-mail address at the animal'slocation, and alternate contact information for the animal.

Table 154 illustrates the kind of summary information that a currentAnimal Owner or other user may obtain by using Option (108). Forexample, by querying the database, the current Animal Owner or otherauthorized user may obtain the animal's historical breeding record. Anhistorical breeding record may include such information as the breedingdates and Animal ID Numbers of animals bred to the animal, whether thebreeding was performed naturally or artificially, if the breeding wassuccessful, the number and sex of the offspring, the location of thebirth or whelping took place. The current Animal Owner or otherauthorized user may also obtain the animal's historical veterinaryrecord. An historical veterinary record may include such information asthe names and addresses of all veterinarians who have examined ortreated the animal, the nature of the treatments rendered to the animal,any diseases treated, and any medications prescribed or administered byeach veterinarian. The current Animal Owner or other authorized user mayalso obtain the animal's identification record. This information mayinclude information about unique identification of the animal such asmicrochip number, tag number, registration number, tattoo number, colorand markings, lineage and birth date.

Option (108) may also be used to add a new breeder and distributor to akennel. It may also be used by a pet store to view reports used by thepet store.

Table 154 also illustrates that the current Animal Owner may add, store,retrieve, and determine location information pertaining to his ownownership. However, the current Animal Owner may not edit certainpreviously entered information, such as a previous owner's locationinformation. Table 154 also illustrates that the current Animal Owner orother user may determine the location record of the animal. Morespecifically, this information may include each location, including nameand address, where the animal has been located from birth to the date ofinquiry. Table 154 also illustrates that the current Owner or other usermay determine colony information about an animal. That is, the currentOwner or other user may determine the identity of every other animalthat was in the same location as the animal in question. Theavailability of a colony record may allow the current Animal Owner orother user such as a Government Agency to identify potentially infectedanimals for quarantine. Table 154 may also allow the current AnimalOwner or other user to determine a lineage record about the animal. Alineage record may provide information about physical characteristicsand medical history of the animal's ancestry. A lineage record differsfrom a breeding record in that the breeding history includes breedingthat may have not resulted in the procreation of offspring.

Table 156 illustrates the kinds of information that may be printed bythe current Animal Owner or other user. Table 156 shows that the currentAnimal Owner or other user may print all of the information that may bedetermined in Table 154. In addition, the current Animal Owner or otheruser may also print ownership transfer forms and government agencyforms. A store may also use Tables 154 and 156 to retrieve and printreports that may be useful to the store such as sales analysis reports,warranty information, veterinary health certificates, and types ofanimals for sale. It will be understood that access to Table 156 may belimited by the scope of access granted to the user.

Although the information illustrated in FIG. 50 and Tables 150-156 maybe determined by an Animal Owner, it will be understood that theinformation may also be retrieved and determined, retrieved, and printedby a veterinarian and/or by a government agency. For example, Departmentof Agriculture forms may be retrieved and printed. Information and flowinformation illustrated in FIG. 50 may be applied to like optionsillustrated in FIGS. 41-45 discussed later.

The system may allow a user to dual register a pet with one or moreorganizations. For example, a pet may be registered with the AmericanCanine Association and with the International Pet Services Corporation.The registrations may include breed, sex, colors, store cost, initialprice, sale price, PUP ID number, microchip number, information abouttattoos and other markings, information about the sire and dam such asname, registry, registration number, and stud book code, the name of thebreeder, distributor, and date acquired. The system may also allowaddition of the same information about a litter. The user may alsoinclude the owner(s) name, date of commencing ownership, address,telephone number, e-mail address, animal's name. If the name haspreviously been registered to a different animal, the system may requirethe user to select another name under which to register the animal.Registration with these entities may be performed online via a globalinformation network, such as the Internet. The user may pay for theregistration using prepaid stickers or by using charge information.Table 156 may allow the user to print registration information after ithas been accepted by the system.

FIG. 41 is a flow diagram illustrating how an animal owner may accessand use predetermined, exemplary, functions of the present inventioncoupled with an automated electronic payment processing company inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Morespecifically, FIG. 41 is an exemplary flow chart showing Animal OwnerEntrance (101) that allows the user to transfer between differentpredetermined applications of the present invention coupled with anautomated electronic payment processing company. Option (104) allows theuser to update personal information such as the name, address, phonenumber, e-mail address, and other information about the user. Option(104) utilizes Transfer (F1) to transfer information to AutomatedInternet Electronic Payment Company (15) for payment for servicesrendered for the user by the system. Option (106) allows the user to addnew animal records to the system. Option (106) utilizes Transfer (F2) totransfer information to Automated Internet Electronic Payment Company(15) for payment for services rendered for the user by the system.Option (108) allows the user to query, update, edit existing animalrecords and utilizes Transfer (F3) to transfer information to AutomatedInternet Electronic Payment Company (15) for payment for servicesrendered for the user by the system. Option (110) allows the user toprint selected records such as required government forms, medicalrecords, bills of sale, and other historical information maintained bythe database of the system and utilizes Transfer (F4) to transferinformation to Automated Internet Electronic Payment Company (15) forpayment for services rendered for the user by the system.

FIG. 42 is a flow diagram illustrating how a veterinarian may access anduse predetermined, exemplary, functions in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 42 is aflow chart showing Veterinary Entrance (102) that may allow the user totransfer between different predetermined applications of the presentinvention. Option (49) allows the veterinary user or theirrepresentative to update veterinarian, personnel, clinic, orinstitutional information such as name, address, phone number, e-mailaddress, and other information about the users of the system. Option(50) allows the user to add new animal records to the system. Option(51) allows the user to query, update, or edit existing animal records.Option (52) allows the user to print selected records use as requiredgovernment forms, medical records, transaction logs, and otherhistorical information maintained by the system.

FIG. 43 is a flow diagram illustrating how a veterinarian may access anduse predetermined, exemplary, functions in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention coupled with an automated electronicpayment processing company. More specifically, FIG. 43 is an exemplaryflow chart showing Veterinary Entrance (102) that allows the user totransfer between different predetermined applications of the presentinvention coupled with an automated electronic payment processingcompany. Option (49) allows the veterinary user or their representativeto update veterinarian, personnel, clinic, or institutional inform suchas name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and other informationabout the users of the system and utilizes Transfer (F5) to transferinformation to Automated Internet Electronic Payment Company (15) forpayment for services rendered by the system. Option (50) allows the userto add new animal records to the system and utilizes Transfer (F6) totransfer information to Automated Internet Electronic Payment Company(15) for payment for services rendered by the system. Option (51) allowsthe user to query, update, or edit existing animal records and utilizesTransfer (F7) to transfer information to Automated Internet ElectronicPayment Company (15) for payment for services rendered by the system.Option (52) allows the user to print selected records such as requiredgovernment forms, medical records, transfer logs, and other historicalinformation maintained by the system and utilizes Transfer (F8) totransfer information to Automated Internet Electronic Payment Company(15) for payment for services rendered by the system.

For example, Options (50) and (51) allow the user to include informationabout inoculations and deworming, surgical procedures, DNA testing,congenital defects, and death of a specific animal. The informationentered may include a microchip number of the animal, the date,diagnosis, medical product used, procedure performed, and the results.

FIG. 44 is a flow diagram illustrating how a government representativemay access and use predetermined, exemplary, functions in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Morespecifically, FIG. 44 is a flow chart showing Government Agency Entrance(103) that allows the user to transfer between different predeterminedapplications of the present invention. Option (53) allows the governmentrepresentative or their assignee the ability to update governmentagency, government personnel, government sub-contractors or assignees,animal control centers, animal control offers, humane societies, humaneoffers, animal shelters, to research, update, or to edit informationsuch as name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and otherinformation about the users of the system. Option (54) allows the userto add new animal records to the system. Option (55) allows the user toquery, update, or edit existing animal records. Option (56) allows theuser to print selected records such as required government forms,medical records, transaction logs, inspection records, and otherhistorical information maintained by the database in the system.

FIG. 45 is a flow diagram illustrating how a government representativemay access and use predetermined, exemplary, functions in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present invention coupled with anautomated electronic payment processing company. More specifically, FIG.45 is an exemplary flow chart showing a Government Agency Entrance (103)that allows the user to transfer between different predeterminedapplications of the present invention coupled with an automatedelectronic payment processing company. Option (53) allows the governmentrepresentative or their assignee the ability to update governmentagency, government personnel, government sub-contractors or assignees,animal control centers, animal control offers, humane societies, humaneoffers, animal shelters, to research, update, or edit information suchas name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and other informationabout the users of the system and utilizes Transfer (F9) to transferinformation to Automated Internet Electronic Payment Company (15) forpayment for services rendered by the system. Option (54) allows the userto add new animal records to the system and utilizes Transfer (F10) totransfer information to Automated Internet Electronic Payment Company(15) for payment for services rendered by the system. Option (55) allowsthe user to query, update, or edit existing animal records and utilizesutilize Transfer (F11) to transfer information to Automated InternetElectronic Payment Company (15) for payment for services rendered by thesystem. Option (56) allows the user to print selected records use asrequired government forms, medical records, transfer logs, inspectionrecords and other historical information maintained by the system andutilizes Transfer (F12) to transfer information to Automated InternetElectronic Payment Company (15) for payment for services rendered by thesystem.

The system may also allow a store to retrieve information about animalsthat are located in the store and are available for sale in the store,such as how long an animal has been in the store, the price paid by thestore, breed, and registration number. When someone purchases an animalfrom a store, the store may enter information about the customer intothe system such as name, address, telephone number, a description of theanimal sold, including registration number, the salesperson, and methodof payment, and the sale price.

FIG. 46 is a graphic overview illustrating the table in FIG. 22 inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Morespecifically, FIG. 46 shows Map (57) illustrating a geographicalrepresentation of the United States of America. Animal Location Area (L1a) is a graphic representative of Location Id Number (L1) of Table (T3)in FIG. 22. Animal Location Area (L2 a) is a graphic representative ofLocation Id Number (L2) of Table (T3) in FIG. 22 Animal Location Area(L3 a) is a graphic representative of Location Id Number (L3) of Table(T3) in FIG. 22.

FIG. 47 is a graphic overview illustrating how an exemplary embodimentof the present invention may link multiple owners of animals to one ormore physical locations. More specifically, FIG. 47 is a graphicoverview illustrating Past Animal Owner (29) and her illustrative directassociation with Animal Location Area (L1 a). Additionally, Animal Owner(30) is shown with illustrative direct association with multiple animallocations such as illustrative Animal Location Area (L2 a) andillustrative Animal Location Area (L3 a).

FIG. 48 is a graphic overview illustrating the table in FIG. 22 inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Morespecifically, FIG. 48 is a graphic overview of Table (T3) in FIG. 22.Animal (76 a) illustratively currently resides at illustrative AnimalLocation Area (L2 b). Animal (79 a) illustratively was transferred fromillustrative Animal Location Area (L2 a) to illustrative Animal LocationArea (L3 a).

FIG. 49 is a graphic representation of other living creators that may betracked by the present invention after having a microchip placed on orin them. More specifically, FIG. 49 is a graphic illustration of anexemplary aspect of the system that may be used to track other livingcreatures including, but not limited to; Aquatic Creature (61), Birds(62), Human (63), Reptile (64), Insect (65).

Although illustrated and described herein with reference to certainspecific embodiments, the present invention is nevertheless not intendedto be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may bemade in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of theclaims and without departing from the spirit of the invention. It willalso be understood that such embodiments are provided by way of exampleonly. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions will occur to thoseskilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.Accordingly, it is intended that the appended claims cover all suchvariations as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A method for use with a computer system for at least one of storing,tracking, and/or retrieving information by authorized users relating toat least one animal, the method comprising: assigning respective firstidentifiers to respective authorized users of the computer based systemfor allowing the authorized users access to the system; assigningrespective second identifiers to respective ones of the at least oneanimal; storing the first and second identifiers in a database; creatinga plurality of data fields, each one of the plurality of data fields forstoring respective data about the at least one animal and forcorrelating the data with the respective second identifiers; defining aplurality of access levels for allowing access to the data, each one ofthe access levels designating at least one category of data accessibleby respective ones of the authorized users of the system; and enteringat least a portion of the data about the at least one animal into thecomputer system, the data being correlated to respective ones of thesecond identifiers.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprisingcoupling the computer system to a global communication network.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the computer system comprises a server and atleast one client system.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the data isentered via the client system.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein atleast a portion of the data is stored on the server.
 6. The method ofclaim 3, wherein the data is retrieved from the server by the at leastone client system.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising storingthe data on a server.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprisingretrieving the data from the server.
 9. The method of claim 1, whereinthe authorized users are at least one of an owner of an animal, apossessor of an animal, a store, a breeder, a distributor, aveterinarian, and/or a government agency.
 10. The method of claim 9,wherein the authorized users access the data via a client system.
 11. Aclient usable computer based method for use with a server for at leastone of storing, tracking, and retrieving information by authorizedclient systems of a computer based system relating to at least oneanimal, the method comprising: storing data about the at least oneanimal in the computer based system; designating respective selectedportions of the data for access by respective ones of the clientsystems; assigning identifiers to respective users of respective clientsystems for allowing the respective users access to the respectiveselected portions of the data; and at least one of entering the data,modifying the data, tracking the data, and retrieving the data.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, further comprising defining a plurality of accesslevels for allowing access to the data, each one of the access levelsdesignating at least one category of data accessible by respective onesof the users of the system.
 13. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising paying for at least one service performed by the server by atleast one of a credit card, an ATM bank card, a personal check, aprepaid coupon, and/or other form of electronic payment.
 14. The methodof claim 11, wherein the users are authorized computers.
 15. The methodof claim 11, further comprising retrieving data from the computer basedsystem and storing the data at a second location.
 16. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the plurality of access levels allow at least one offull access to the data, limited access to the data, and read onlyaccess to the data.
 17. A method for use with a processor for makingavailable historical data about an animal to at least one of a pluralityof data retrievers comprising at least one of an owner, a veterinarian,a breeder, an entity possessing the animal, and/or a government entity,the data being supplied by a plurality of data sources comprising atleast one of the owner, the veterinarian, the breeder, and/or the entitypossessing the animal, the method comprising: assigning an animalidentifier to the animal; assigning a respective source identifier toeach of the data sources; receiving historical data from at least onedata source; linking the animal identifier to the received data and tothe respective source identifier; storing the linked historical data asa portion of a database in a memory; assigning a respective access codeto each one of the plurality of data retrievers for providing therespective data retriever access to at least a predetermined portion ofthe historical data; transmitting the access code from the dataretriever to the database; and transferring the predetermined portion ofthe historical data to the data retriever.
 18. The method of claim 17,wherein the animal identifier is unique.
 19. The method of claim 17,wherein the source identifier is unique.
 20. A method for makingavailable historical data about an animal to at least one of a pluralityof data retrievers comprising at least one of an owner, a veterinarian,a breeder, an entity possessing the animal, and/or a government entity,the data being supplied by a plurality of data sources comprising atleast one of the owner, the veterinarian, the breeder, and the entitypossessing the animal, the method comprising the steps of: assigning aunique identifier to the animal; assigning a respective sourceidentifier to each of the data sources; receiving historical data fromat least one of the plurality of data sources; linking the animalidentifier to the received data and to the respective source identifier;storing the linked historical data as a portion of database in a memory;assigning a respective access code to each one of the plurality of dataretrievers for providing the respective data retriever access to atleast a predetermined portion of the historical data; transmitting theaccess code from the data retriever to the database; and transferringthe predetermined portion of the historical data from the database tothe data retriever based at least on the access code of the dataretriever.
 21. A method of monitoring a history of an animal, the methodcomprising: assigning a unique identifier to the animal; storing theunique identifier in a database; creating a plurality of data fields,each one of the plurality of data fields recording a respectivecharacteristic of the history; coupling each of the data fields to theidentifier; storing each of the coupled data fields in the database;creating at least one data table, the at least one data table comprisingselected ones of the data fields; coupling the at least one data tableto the identifier; storing the at least one coupled data table in thedata base; assigning at least one security code to a user allowing theuser to input information in predetermined fields based on a status ofthe user; and obtaining access to at least one characteristic of thehistory based on security code.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein theat least one characteristic of the history comprises a breeding recordof the animal.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least onecharacteristic of the history comprises a veterinary record of theanimal.
 24. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least onecharacteristic of the history comprises an identification of the animal.25. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one characteristic ofthe history comprises an historical location record of the animal. 26.The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one characteristic of thehistory comprises a colony record of the animal.
 27. The method of claim21, wherein the at least one characteristic of the history comprises anhistorical lineage record of the animal.
 28. The method of claim 21,wherein the at least one characteristic of the history comprises anhistorical ownership record of the animal.